The subjects of which the Master seldom spoke were profitableness, the appointments of Heaven, and perfect virtue. A man of Ta-hsiang says his learning is extensive, and yet he does not render his name famous by any particular thing. What shall he practise. He will practise charioteering. The linen cap is prescribed, but a silk one is now worn. It is economical, and he follows the common practice. The rules prescribe bowing below the hall, but the practice is to bow after ascending. That is arrogant. He continues to bow below the hall. He was entirely free of four things: no foregone conclusions, no arbitrary predeterminations, no obstinacy, and no egoism. Put in fear at K'wang, he says that after the death of King Wan the cause of truth was lodged in him. While Heaven does not let the cause of truth perish, what can the people of K'wang do to him. A high officer praises his various ability. The Master says that when he was young his condition was low, and he acquired ability in mean matters. The superior man does not need variety of ability. The FANG bird does not come. The river sends forth no map. It is all over with him. Seeing a person in mourning, or in full dress, or a blind person, he would rise, even if they were younger.
Yen Yuan sighs. He looked up, and the doctrines seemed to become more high. He tried to penetrate them, and they seemed to become more firm. He looked at them before him, and suddenly they seemed to be behind. When he wishes to give over, he cannot, and having exerted all his ability there seems something standing right up before him, with no way to lay hold of it. The Master being very ill, Tsze-lu wishes the disciples to act as ministers. By pretending to have ministers when he has them not, whom should he impose upon. Should he impose upon Heaven. Better to die in the hands of the disciples. Tsze-kung speaks of a beautiful gem: lay it up, or seek a good price and sell it. Sell it. Sell it. But he would wait for one to offer the price. He wishes to live among the nine wild tribes of the east. If a superior man dwelt among them, what rudeness would there be. Standing by a stream, he says it passes on just like this, not ceasing day or night. He has not seen one who loves virtue as he loves beauty.
The prosecution of learning may be compared to raising a mound. If there want but one basket of earth to complete the work, and he stops, the stopping is his own work. Though but one basketful is thrown at a time, the advancing with it is his own going forward. Never flagging when anything is set forth to him: ah, that is Hui. There are cases in which the blade springs but the plant does not flower, and cases where it flowers but no fruit is produced. Men may assent to strict admonition and not reform. If they do not reform, he can really do nothing with them. Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles. Have no friends not equal to yourself. When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them. The commander of a large state may be carried off, but the will of even a common man cannot be taken from him. When the year becomes cold, then we know how the pine and the cypress are the last to lose their leaves. How the flowers of the aspen-plum flutter and turn. Do I not think of you. But your house is distant. It is the want of thought about it. How is it distant?
